U.S. patent application number 12/437677 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for auto-release vacuum device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.. Invention is credited to Keith S. Attee, Maurice Perlman.
Application Number | 20090217998 12/437677 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37529459 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090217998 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perlman; Maurice ; et
al. |
September 3, 2009 |
Auto-Release Vacuum Device
Abstract
A vacuum device for a material handling system includes a vacuum
device body and a sealing element. The vacuum device body has a
vacuum passageway in which a vacuum is generated in response to
activation of a pressurized air supply that forces pressurized air
through a venturi device. The sealing element moves to a sealing
position to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air
supply is activated, and is urged toward the sealing position via
pressurized air that is diverted from an inlet of the vacuum device
to the sealing element. The sealing element moves to substantially
vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated. The
vacuum passageway may be in fluid communication with a vacuum cup,
which seals against the object when the sealing element is at the
sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at
least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway.
Inventors: |
Perlman; Maurice; (Oak Park,
MI) ; Attee; Keith S.; (Charlevoix, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Assignee: |
Delaware Capital Formation,
Inc.
Wilmington
DE
|
Family ID: |
37529459 |
Appl. No.: |
12/437677 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11430712 |
May 9, 2006 |
7540309 |
|
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12437677 |
|
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|
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60698031 |
Jul 11, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
137/885 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/87893 20150401;
B25J 15/0675 20130101; B25B 11/007 20130101; B25J 15/0625 20130101;
B25J 15/0633 20130101; F04F 5/20 20130101; F04F 5/52 20130101; B25J
15/0616 20130101; B65G 47/91 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/885 |
International
Class: |
F16K 31/12 20060101
F16K031/12 |
Claims
1-27. (canceled)
28. An automatic release vacuum device for a material handling
system, said automatic release vacuum device comprising: a unitary
vacuum device body adapted to connect to a pressurized air supply,
said unitary vacuum device body having a bore and a venturi nozzle,
said pressurized air supply being activatable to supply pressurized
air at said venturi nozzle to generate at least a partial vacuum in
said bore via pressurized air flow through said venturi nozzle; a
movable sealing element in said unitary vacuum device body bore and
movable between a sealing position, where said movable sealing
element enables a vacuum, and a venting position, where said
movable sealing element enables venting, said movable sealing
element comprises a piston element that moves in said bore of said
vacuum device body, said piston element moving independently
between said sealing and venting positions; said unitary vacuum
device including a portion of said pressurized air moving said
movable sealing element to urge said movable sealing element toward
said sealing position when said pressurized air supply is
activated; and said movable sealing element being urged toward said
venting position when said pressurized air supply is deactivated to
substantially vent said bore to atmosphere when said pressurized
air supply is deactivated.
29. The automatic release vacuum device of claim 28, wherein said
pressurized air supply is activatable to force pressurized air
through said venturi nozzle to generate the at least partial vacuum
in said bore by drawing air from said bore and into said venturi
nozzle via at least one vacuum port of said venturi nozzle.
30. The automatic release vacuum device of claim 28, wherein said
automatic release venturi device includes a vacuum cup that is
configured to engage an object, said vacuum cup being configured to
substantially seal against the object when said movable sealing
element is at said sealing position and said venturi nozzle
generates at least a partial vacuum in said bore.
31. A vacuum cup assembly of a material handling system, said
vacuum cup assembly being engagable with an object and movable to
move the object, said vacuum cup assembly comprising: a unitary
vacuum device adapted to connect to a pressurized air supply, said
unitary vacuum device having a bore and a venturi device, said
pressurized air supply being activatable to supply pressurized air
at said venturi device to draw air from said bore, said vacuum
device including a movable sealing element for selectively sealing
and venting said bore; a vacuum cup in fluid communication with
said bore, said vacuum cup being configured to engage an object;
said movable sealing element in said unitary device bore and
movable between a sealing position, where said movable sealing
element enables a vacuum, and a venting position, where said
movable sealing element enables venting, said movable sealing
element comprises a piston element that moves in said bore of said
vacuum device body, said piston element moving independently
between said sealing and venting positions; a biasing element urges
said movable sealing element toward said venting position; said
vacuum device including a portion of said pressurized air moving
said movable sealing element to urge said movable sealing element
toward said sealing position when said pressurized air supply is
activated; said biasing element urging said movable sealing element
toward said venting position for substantially venting said
assembly when said pressurized air supply is deactivated; and said
vacuum cup being configured to substantially seal against the
object when said movable sealing device is in said sealing position
and said venturi device generates at least a partial vacuum.
32. The vacuum cup assembly of claim 31, wherein said piston
element engages a sealing ring when in said sealing position.
33. An automatic release vacuum device for a material handling
system, said automatic release vacuum device comprising: an unitary
vacuum device body adapted to connect to a pressurized air supply,
said unitary vacuum device body having a passageway and a venturi
nozzle, said pressurized air supply being activatable to supply
pressurized air at said venturi nozzle to generate at least a
partial vacuum in said passageway via pressurized air flow through
said venturi nozzle; a movable sealing element in said unitary
vacuum device body passageway and movable between a sealing
position, where said movable sealing element enables vacuum
generation in said passageway, and a venting position, where said
movable sealing element enables venting of said passageway, said
movable sealing element comprises a piston element that moves
independently along said passageway of said vacuum device body
between said sealing and venting positions; said unitary vacuum
device including a portion of said pressurized air moving said
movable sealing element to urge said movable sealing element toward
said sealing position when said pressurized air supply is
activated; and said movable sealing element being urged toward said
venting position when said pressurized air supply is deactivated to
substantially vent said passageway to atmosphere when said
pressurized air supply is deactivated.
34. The automatic release vacuum device of claim 33, wherein said
pressurized air supply is activatable to force pressurized air
through said venturi nozzle to generate the at least partial vacuum
in said passageway by drawing air from said passageway and into
said venturi nozzle via at least one vacuum port of said venturi
nozzle.
35. The automatic release vacuum device of claim 33, wherein said
automatic release venturi device includes a vacuum cup that is
configured to engage an object, said vacuum cup being configured to
substantially seal against the object when said movable sealing
element is at said sealing position and said venturi nozzle
generates at least a partial vacuum in said passageway.
36. A vacuum cup assembly of a material handling system, said
vacuum cup assembly being engagable with an object and movable to
move the object, said vacuum cup assembly comprising: a unitary
vacuum device adapted to connect to a pressurized air supply, said
unitary vacuum device having a passageway and a venturi device,
said pressurized air supply being activatable to supply pressurized
air at said venturi device to draw air from said passageway, said
vacuum device including a movable sealing element for selectively
sealing and venting said passageway; a vacuum cup in fluid
communication with said passageway, said vacuum cup being
configured to engage an object; said movable sealing element in
said unitary device and passageway between a sealing position,
where said movable sealing element substantially seals said
passageway, and a venting position, where said movable sealing
element substantially vents said passageway, said movable sealing
element comprises a piston element that moves independently along
said passageway of said vacuum device body between said sealing and
venting positions; a biasing element that urges said movable
sealing element toward said venting position; said vacuum device
including a portion of said pressurized air to move said movable
sealing element to urge said movable sealing element toward said
sealing position when said pressurized air supply is activated;
said biasing element urging said movable sealing element toward
said venting position for substantially venting said passageway
when said pressurized air supply is deactivated; and said vacuum
cup being configured to substantially seal against the object when
said movable sealing device is in said sealing position and said
venturi device generates at least a partial vacuum.
37. The vacuum cup assembly of claim 36, wherein said piston
element engages a sealing ring at said vacuum passageway when in
said sealing position.
38. An automatic release vacuum device for a material handling
system, said automatic release vacuum device comprising: a unitary
vacuum device body adapted to connect to a pressurized air supply,
said unitary vacuum device body having a bore and a venturi nozzle,
said pressurized air supply being activatable to supply pressurized
air at said venturi nozzle to generate at least a partial vacuum
via said pressurized air flow through said venturi nozzle; a
movable sealing element in said unitary vacuum device body, said
movable sealing element movable between a sealing position, where
said movable sealing element enables a vacuum, and a venting
position, where said movable sealing element enables venting, said
movable sealing element comprises a piston element that moves in
said bore of said vacuum device body, said piston element moving
independently between said sealing and venting positions; said
unitary vacuum device enabling said movable sealing element to move
toward said sealing position when said pressurized air supply is
activated; and said movable sealing element being urged toward said
venting position when said pressurized air supply is deactivated to
substantially vent to atmosphere, when said pressurized air supply
is deactivated.
39. The automatic release vacuum device of claim 38, wherein said
pressurized air supply is activatable to force pressurized air
through said venturi nozzle which, in turn, generates a vacuum and
to initiate movement of said piston into said sealed position.
40. The automatic release vacuum device of claim 38, wherein said
automatic release venturi device includes a vacuum cup that is
configured to engage an object, said vacuum cup being configured to
substantially seal against the object when said movable sealing
element is at said sealing position and said venturi nozzle
generates at least a partial vacuum.
41. A vacuum cup assembly of a material handling system, said
vacuum cup assembly being engagable with an object and movable to
move the object, said vacuum cup assembly comprising: a unitary
vacuum device adapted to connect to a pressurized air supply, said
unitary vacuum device having a bore and a venturi device, said
pressurized air supply being activatable to supply pressurized air
at said venturi device to draw air from said bore, said vacuum
device including a movable sealing element for selectively sealing
and venting said bore; a vacuum cup in fluid communication with
said bore, said vacuum cup being configured to engage an object;
said movable sealing element in said unitary device and bore
between a sealing position, where said movable sealing element
enables a vacuum, and a venting position, where said movable
sealing element enables venting, said movable sealing element
comprises a piston element that moves in said bore of said vacuum
device body, said piston element moving independently between said
sealing and venting positions; a biasing element urges said movable
sealing element toward said venting position; said vacuum device
having a portion of said pressurized air moving said movable
sealing element to urge said movable sealing element toward said
sealing position when said pressurized air supply is activated;
said biasing element urging said movable sealing element toward
said venting position for substantially venting said assembly when
said pressurized air supply is deactivated; and said vacuum cup
being configured to substantially seal against the object when said
movable sealing device is in said sealing position and said venturi
device generates at least a partial vacuum.
42. The vacuum cup assembly of claim 41, wherein said piston
element engages a sealing ring at said vacuum passageway when in
said sealing position.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
provisional application Ser. No. 60/698,031, filed Jul. 11, 2005,
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to material handling
systems and, more particularly, to vacuum devices for vacuum cup
assemblies of material handling systems that are engaged with the
objects and substantially sealed thereto via operation of a vacuum
source or pneumatic device connected to the vacuum devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is known to provide a material handling system that
includes vacuum cups or the like that are adapted to be moved into
engagement with an object, such as a substantially flat object or
panel or the like, and to lift and move the object to a desired
location. Such vacuum cups or suction cups may be moved into
engagement with the object, and a vacuum source may be actuated to
create a vacuum between the object and the cup such that the object
is retained to the cup as it is transported to the targeted area.
An example of such a vacuum cup is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,662,668, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0004] The vacuum generated at the cup may be provided by a venturi
nozzle, whereby pressurized air is supplied or provided to a
venturi nozzle at the cup and the air forced through the venturi
nozzle creates a vacuum at the cup to seal the cup to the object
surface. The venturi nozzle has an inlet port connected to the air
supply and an exit port through which the air is blown. The
internal cavity defined by the vacuum cup and object is in fluid
communication with the venturi nozzle so that air is drawn out of
the cavity as the air is blown through the venturi nozzle. When the
air supply is deactivated, the vacuum within the cup cavity may
dissipate through the port that connects the vacuum cup cavity to
the venturi nozzle and through the exit port. Thus, there may be a
delay between when the air supply is deactivated and when the
vacuum dissipates a sufficient amount to readily release the vacuum
cup from the object.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides an automatic release vacuum
device or venturi device, such as for a vacuum cup assembly of a
material handling system that is operable to move one or more
vacuum cups into engagement with an object and to pick up and move
the object to a targeted or desired location. The material handling
system may move the vacuum cup into engagement with the object, and
may create a vacuum or partial vacuum at a cup cavity, such as via
a vacuum source or an air supply or other pneumatic device or the
like, to substantially seal the vacuum cup to the object. The
vacuum device includes a venting element at a venting port to
substantially vent the vacuum or partial vacuum at the vacuum cup
to atmosphere when the vacuum source or pneumatic device is
deactivated.
[0006] According to an aspect of the present invention, an
automatic release vacuum device or venturi device for a material
handling system includes a vacuum device body and a movable sealing
element. The vacuum device body is adapted to connect to a
pressurized air supply, and includes a vacuum passageway and a
vacuum generating device, such as a venturi nozzle or device at or
in fluid communication with the vacuum passageway. The pressurized
air supply is activatable to supply pressurized air at the vacuum
generating device to generate at least a partial vacuum in the
vacuum passageway. The movable sealing element is movable between a
sealing position, where the movable sealing element substantially
seals the vacuum passageway, and a venting position, where the
movable sealing element substantially vents the vacuum passageway.
The vacuum device is configured to divert a portion of the
pressurized air to the movable sealing element to urge the movable
sealing element toward the sealing position when the pressurized
air supply is activated. The movable sealing element is urged
toward the venting position when the pressurized air supply is
deactivated to substantially vent the vacuum passageway to
atmosphere when the pressurized air supply is deactivated.
[0007] The vacuum device body includes a diverting passageway that
diverts the portion of the pressurized air to a substantially
enclosed cavity at the movable sealing element to urge the movable
sealing element toward the sealing position. The automatic release
vacuum device includes a biasing element that functions to urge the
movable sealing element toward the venting position. The diverting
passageway diverts the portion of the pressurized air to the
movable sealing element to at least partially overcome a biasing
force of the biasing element to urge the movable sealing element
toward the sealing position when the pressurized air supply is
activated.
[0008] In one form, the movable sealing element may comprise a
flexible membrane element that flexes to engage and disengage a
venting port of the vacuum device. In another form, the movable
sealing element may comprise a piston element that moves along a
passageway of the vacuum device body between the sealing and
venting positions.
[0009] The automatic release vacuum device is suitable for and may
be configured for use with a vacuum cup assembly of the material
handling system, with a vacuum cup of the assembly being configured
to engage an object and being movable to move the object when
engaged therewith. The vacuum cup is configured to substantially
seal against the object when the movable sealing element is at the
sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at
least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
vacuum cup assembly of a material handling system, with the vacuum
cup assembly being engagable with an object and movable to move the
object, includes a vacuum device, a vacuum cup and a noise reducing
device. The vacuum device is adapted to connect to a pressurized
air supply and has a vacuum passageway and a venturi nozzle
positioned within the vacuum device. The vacuum cup is attached to
the vacuum device and is configured to engage an object. The
pressurized air supply is activatable to force pressurized air
through the venturi nozzle to generate the at least partial vacuum
in the vacuum passageway and at the vacuum cup when the vacuum cup
is engaged with an object. The pressurized air flows through the
venturi nozzle and draws air from the vacuum passageway and into
the venturi nozzle via at least one vacuum port of the venturi
nozzle. The noise reducing device is located at a discharge of the
venturi nozzle and comprises a housing defining a chamber with a
conical-shaped diverter element. The housing has a plurality of
radially spaced exit openings, whereby air discharged at the
venturi nozzle is diverted by the conical-shaped diverter element
and flows out through the exit openings of the housing. The vacuum
cup is configured to substantially seal against the object when the
venturi device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum
passageway.
[0011] The housing of the noise reducing device may include an
outer end and a sidewall that cooperate to define the chamber. The
conical-shaped diverter element protrudes from the outer end and
toward the venturi nozzle. The sidewall may function to attach the
noise reducing device to the vacuum device. The housing of the
noise reducing device includes a curved transition region between
the conical-shaped diverter element and the outer end. The housing
includes a curved transition region between the outer end and the
sidewall. The exit openings are formed through the sidewall and
generally at the outer end of the housing.
[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a
vacuum cup assembly for a material handling system includes a
vacuum cup, a vacuum device and a sealing device or element. The
vacuum cup assembly is engagable with an object and movable to move
the object. The vacuum cup has a perimeter seal for engaging and
substantially sealing at an object surface. The vacuum device is
attached to the vacuum cup and is configured to draw air out of a
cavity defined by the perimeter seal and the object surface when
the vacuum cup is engaged with the object surface. The vacuum
device comprises a unitary body and houses a venturi nozzle and
defines a vacuum passageway that is in fluid communication with a
vacuum port of the venturi nozzle. An inlet of the venturi nozzle
is connectable to a pressurized air supply, which is activatable to
force air through the venturi nozzle to generate at least a partial
vacuum in the vacuum passageway. The vacuum passageway extends
through the body and between the vacuum cup and a venting
passageway or port of the body. The body defines a diverting
passageway that diverts air from the inlet of the venturi nozzle to
the sealing element. The diverting passageway diverts air to the
sealing element to urge the sealing element toward engagement with
the venting port or otherwise toward a sealing position that
substantially seals or closes the venting port or passageway. The
sealing element is thus movable to substantially close or seal the
vacuum passageway when the pressurized air supply is activated and
when air flows through the diverting port to the sealing element.
The sealing element is movable to disengage from or open the
venting port or passageway to substantially vent the vacuum
passageway to atmosphere when the vacuum source is deactivated.
[0013] Therefore, the present invention provides an automatic
release vacuum device or venturi device, such as for a vacuum cup
assembly of a material handling system that moves the vacuum cup
assembly into engagement with an object. A vacuum or partial vacuum
generated by the vacuum device may be readily applied to the vacuum
cup of the vacuum cup assembly to substantially seal the vacuum cup
to the object. When the vacuum source or pressurized air supply or
other pneumatic device is reduced or deactivated, the vacuum or
partial vacuum within the vacuum cup is readily and rapidly vented
to atmosphere via a sealing/venting element of the vacuum device.
The sealing/venting element functions to substantially seal or
close the vacuum passageway when the vacuum source is activated,
and is readily and automatically disengaged or moved to open or
vent the vacuum passageway when the vacuum source is deactivated.
The sealing/venting element (such as a membrane or piston or the
like) of the vacuum device may be engaged against the vacuum device
body or other sealing element in response to the vacuum generated
within the vacuum device body and in response to pressurized air
provided at the sealing/venting element, such that the pressure
differential at the sealing/venting element causes the
sealing/venting element to substantially seal or close the vacuum
passageway. When the vacuum is deactivated, the sealing/venting
element may be disengaged from the venting port or other sealing
element or may otherwise open or vent the vacuum passageway, such
as in response to a biasing element or spring, as the vacuum is at
least partially reduced and/or as the pressurized air from the
diverting passageway is reduced or eliminated. The vacuum at the
vacuum cup assembly thus may be automatically and readily vented to
atmosphere to release the vacuum cup from the object at the desired
or targeted destination or location. The vacuum passageway,
diverting passageway and sealing/venting element are positioned or
formed within the body of the vacuum device so as to provide an
integral vacuum device or auto-release venturi device for the
vacuum cup assembly.
[0014] These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features
of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the
following specification in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a vacuum cup assembly with a
vacuum device in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a vacuum device in
accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the vacuum device of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of another vacuum
device in accordance with the present invention, with a piston that
is movable to seal or vent the vacuum passageway;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the vacuum device of FIG. 4,
shown with the piston in a sealing orientation;
[0020] FIG. 6 is another sectional view of the vacuum device of
FIG. 4, shown with the piston in a venting orientation;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a venturi silencer useful
with a venturi vacuum device;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an end elevation of the venturi silencer of FIG.
7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the venturi silencer of FIGS.
7 and 8; and
[0024] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the venturi silencer taken
along the line X-X in FIG. 8.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative
embodiments depicted therein, a vacuum cup assembly 10 includes a
vacuum cup 12 and an integral automatic release vacuum assembly or
venturi assembly or vacuum device 14 operable to create a vacuum or
partial vacuum within the vacuum cup 12 when the vacuum cup is
engaged with a surface of an object 16 (FIG. 1). The vacuum cup
assembly 10 is mountable to a support assembly of a material
handling system, which is operable to move the support and vacuum
cup assembly (or multiple vacuum cup assemblies or suction cups)
into engagement with an object, where the vacuum cup may engage and
seal to the object for picking up and moving the object. The
material handling system includes a vacuum source or pressurized
air supply or pneumatic device for providing or creating a vacuum
or partial vacuum at the vacuum cup assembly 10 to substantially
vacuum seal the vacuum cup 12 to the object 16. The vacuum device
14 includes a sealing and venting device or assembly or element 18
that is openable to atmosphere in response to deactivation of the
vacuum source or air supply or pneumatic device to substantially
vent the vacuum from the vacuum cup when the vacuum source or air
supply or pneumatic device is deactivated, as discussed below. In
the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum source comprises a venturi
device or nozzle that is connected to or in fluid communication
with a pressurized air supply, such that when the pressurized air
supply is activated, pressurized air flows through the venturi
device to generate a vacuum in the vacuum device and vacuum cup, as
also discussed below.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, vacuum device 14 includes a
vacuum device body or body portion 20 that is preferably unitarily
formed and that includes or defines vacuum and venting passageways
and ports as described below. For example, the body 20 may be cast
or molded or otherwise formed of a metallic material, such as
aluminum or the like, or a polymeric material, such as engineering
plastic or the like, and may have the passageways bored or drilled
through the unitary body to define and connect the appropriate
passageways, as discussed below. The vacuum device 14 may be
connected to a support arm (not shown) or the like of the material
handling device, and may be connected to any type of support arm,
without affecting the scope of the present invention. The vacuum
cup assembly and material handling system of the present invention
may utilize aspects described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/034,046, filed Jan. 12, 2005 by Attee et al. for VACUUM CUP
(Attorney Docket CPI01 P-313A); and/or Ser. No. 10/931,637, filed
Sep. 1, 2004 by Kniss for ADJUSTABLE MOUNT FOR VACUUM CUP (Attorney
Docket CPI01 P-314), which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, body 20 includes or defines a vacuum
generating passageway 22 therethrough. Vacuum generating passageway
22 defines an outlet or exit port 23 and an inlet or entry port 24
at opposite ends of the passageway 22 and body 20. A vacuum
generating device 28 is positioned at or in or partially in vacuum
generating passageway 22 and is connectable to a vacuum source or
air supply tube or pipe 29 (FIG. 1) at inlet port 24. In the
illustrated embodiment, vacuum generating device 28 comprises a
venturi nozzle that is positioned along passageway 22 with an
outlet end 28a at outlet port 23 and an inlet or entry end 28b at
or near inlet port 24. A vacuum passageway 26 connects to and is in
fluid communication with vacuum generating passageway 22 and vacuum
cup 12 at one end and sealing and venting device 18 at the other
end, as discussed below. Vacuum passageway 26 terminates at a
vacuum cup connection port 27 for connecting body 20 to vacuum cup
12.
[0028] Venturi nozzle 28 includes a nozzle body or body portion 32
and a passageway 34 extending longitudinally along the nozzle body
32. The nozzle body 32 includes at least one vacuum port 36 to
provide fluid communication through nozzle body 32 to passageway
34. When venturi nozzle 28 is positioned within passageway 22 of
body 20, vacuum port or ports 36 is/are positioned generally at and
in fluid communication with vacuum passageway 26 of body 20. As is
known in the vacuum cup and venturi nozzle art, the passageway 34
of venturi nozzle 28 comprises a narrowing and widening passageway
to increase the air flow rate through the venturi nozzle 28 when
the air supply or source is activated, whereby air flow through the
venturi nozzle 28 draws air through vacuum ports 36 and from vacuum
passageway 26 to create a vacuum or partial vacuum in the vacuum
passageway 26 when the vacuum passageway is not vented, as
discussed below. A silencing element or diffusing element 30 and
retaining ring 31 may be positioned at outlet end 28a of nozzle
28.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, vacuum
passageway 26 of body 20 extends upwardly or outwardly from
passageway 22 and venturi nozzle 28, with sealing and venting
device 18 positioned at an outer end of passageway 26 and at an
upper end or outer or venting portion 40 of body 20. Sealing and
venting device 18 functions to selectively substantially close and
seal vacuum passageway 26 when the air supply is activated and to
open or vent vacuum passageway 26 to release or vent the vacuum
within the vacuum cup when the vacuum source or air supply is
deactivated, as discussed in detail below. As can be seen with
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, venting portion 40 of body 20 includes
a recessed or venting surface 42 within an outer raised ring or
cylindrical extension or ring or wall 44 that substantially
surrounds venting surface 42. The outer ring 44 includes a stepped
or intermediate surface 46 that is within outer ring 44 and spaced
from venting surface 42. An inner raised ring or cylindrical
extension or venting port 48 extends or protrudes outwardly from
venting surface 42 and defines an outer end of the vacuum
passageway 26.
[0030] Body 20 of vacuum device 14 also includes or defines a
diverting port or passageway 50 that connects and provides fluid
communication between the inlet port 24 of the nozzle passageway 22
to an upper or outer surface or end 44a of the outer ring 44 at
venting portion 40 of body 20. Body 20 also includes or defines a
venting passageway or port 52 that is open to atmosphere at one end
52a and that is open at its other end 52b at venting surface 42 of
venting portion 40 of body 20. The sealing and venting device or
assembly 18 functions to selectively connect or provide fluid
communication between venting port 52 and vacuum passageway 26 to
vent the vacuum cup to atmosphere when the vacuum source or air
supply is deactivated, as discussed below.
[0031] As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, sealing and venting device
18 includes a first sealing element 54, such as a sealing cap or
diaphragm, and an outer cap or cover 56. In the illustrated
embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the sealing element 54 comprises a
flexible membrane element or diaphragm. However, the sealing
element may comprise other movable means for engaging another
sealing element to seal the passageway when the pressurized air
supply is activated and to disengage from the other sealing element
to vent the passageway when the pressurized air supply is
deactivated, such as a movable piston sealing element, as discussed
below with respect to FIGS. 4-6, or other movable element while
remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Diaphragm 54 comprises a generally flat disc or flexible or movable
sealing element or diaphragm element 54a and a generally
cylindrical wall 54b surrounding diaphragm element 54a and
extending upwardly therefrom when diaphragm 54 is positioned at
venting portion 40 of body 20 as shown in FIG. 3. Diaphragm element
54a is a thin flexible membrane that may flex toward and away from
the venting port or inner extension or second sealing element 48
during operation of the vacuum cup assembly, as discussed below. In
the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, cylindrical wall 54b
of diaphragm 54 is attached to or positioned at the lip or step or
ledge 46 of outer wall or ring 44 of body 20.
[0032] Cover 56 comprises a generally flat disc portion 56a and a
generally cylindrical wall portion 56b surrounding disc portion 56a
and extending downwardly therefrom when cover 56 is positioned at
venting portion 40 of body 20 as shown in FIG. 3. Disc portion 56a
of cover 56 may include a recessed portion or recess 56c at its
inner surface. In the illustrated embodiment, wall portion 56b of
cover 56 is attached to or positioned at and around the outer wall
or ring 44 to substantially encase the outer end of the outer wall
or ring 44 and diaphragm 54 within the cover 56 and between cover
56 and body 20. Cover 56 may be secured to diaphragm 54 so that the
diaphragm and cover assembly are mounted to body 20 together, or
cover 56 and diaphragm 54 may comprise separate components that are
mounted separately to the respective portions of body 20, without
affecting the scope of the present invention.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, disc portion 56a of cover 56 may rest on
or engage the outer ends of cylindrical wall 54b of diaphragm 54,
while cylindrical wall 56b of cover overlaps or encompasses or
receives outer cylindrical wall or extension 44 of upper or outer
body portion 40. When cover 56 is positioned over diaphragm 54, the
recess 56c provides a passageway for fluid communication or air
flow between the diverting passageway 50 at the outer end 44a of
the outer cylindrical extension 44 and the area between the cap or
cover 56 and the diaphragm element 54a. When the movable sealing
element or diaphragm element 54a is disengaged from the second
sealing element or venting port 48, vacuum passageway 26 is vented
to atmosphere via venting passageway 52 to vent the vacuum cup 12
to atmosphere to release the vacuum cup from the object, as
discussed below.
[0034] Sealing and venting device 18 further includes a biasing
element or member or spring 58, which is positioned generally
around venting port 48 of body portion 40 and between venting
surface 42 and diaphragm element 54a. Biasing element 58 functions
to bias or urge the first or movable sealing element or diaphragm
element 54a away from engagement with second sealing element or
venting port 48, such that air may flow between vacuum passageway
26 and venting passageway 52 when diaphragm element 54a is
disengaged from venting port 48, as discussed below.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, vacuum cup 12 of vacuum cup
assembly 10 is attached to vacuum cup connection port 27 of body 20
and is, in the illustrated embodiment, positioned generally
opposite from sealing and venting device 18 and venting portion 40.
Vacuum cup 12 includes a body portion 60 and a perimeter seal
portion 62. Vacuum cup 12 includes an opening for receiving vacuum
cup connection port 27 of body 20. When vacuum cup 12 receives
vacuum port 27, vacuum passageway 26 provides fluid communication
between venturi nozzle 28 and a cavity 64 defined by the body
portion 60 and perimeter seal 62 of vacuum cup 12 and the surface
of the object 16 that is engaged with an engaging end 62a of the
perimeter seal 62. Vacuum cup 12 may be integrally or unitarily
molded from an elastomeric material or may be otherwise formed or
molded, without affecting the scope of the present invention.
Although shown as a vacuum cup having a bellows style or accordion
style perimeter seal, it is envisioned that the vacuum cup may have
other seal portions (such as a tapered perimeter seal portion or
the like, and/or such as a seal portion of the types described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/034,046, filed Jan. 12, 2005 by
Attee et al. for VACUUM CUP (Attorney Docket CPI01 P-313A), which
is hereby incorporated herein by reference), and/or other types of
vacuum cups may be implemented with the material handling device,
without affecting the scope of the present invention.
[0036] Vacuum cup 12 may be attached to or adhered to or molded to
or fastened to or otherwise secured to vacuum port 27 of body 20 of
vacuum device 14. In the illustrated embodiment, vacuum port 27 is
received in or positioned at or at least partially through the
opening at the body portion 60 of vacuum cup 12. Vacuum passageway
26 allows air to flow from cavity 64 and through vacuum passageway
26 to draw air out of cavity 64 to create a vacuum or partial
vacuum within cavity 64 when the air supply is activated.
[0037] During operation of vacuum cup assembly 10, pressurized air
is supplied at inlet port 24 (such as via a hose or tube 29 or the
like) and flows through venturi nozzle 28 and out exit port 23 of
body 20. As the air flows through venturi nozzle 28, air is drawn
through vacuum ports 36 from vacuum passageway 26 and into
passageway 34 of nozzle 28 and out the exit port 23. When the
pressurized air flows through the venturi nozzle 28, a portion of
the pressurized air that enters the nozzle at inlet port 24 is
diverted through diverting passageway 50 and into recess or cavity
56c between cover 56 and first sealing element or diaphragm 54 to
pressurize the cover and diaphragm assembly, and thereby functions
to exert a downward pressure against movable or flexible diaphragm
element 54a to urge the diaphragm element 54a downward and against
the urging of biasing element 58 and into sealing engagement with
second sealing element or venting port 48 of venting portion 40 to
substantially seal diaphragm element 54a against venting port 48.
Also, as the air is drawn from vacuum passageway 26 by the venturi
nozzle, the diaphragm element 54a or first sealing element is
pulled downward against biasing element 58 and toward engagement
with the outer end of second sealing element or venting port 48 to
substantially seal or close vacuum passageway 26. The diverting
passageway 50 and cover 56 thus provide pressurized air above
diaphragm 54 or at the opposite side of diaphragm 54 from the
vacuum passageway 26, in order to assist in moving or urging
diaphragm element 54a to a sealing position and against venting
port 48 at venting portion 40 of body 20 when the vacuum source or
air supply is activated. Because pressurized air is provided above
or outside of diaphragm 54 while a partial vacuum is provided below
or at the inner side of diaphragm 54, the increased pressure
differential at the diaphragm element causes the diaphragm element
54a to flex into engagement with the venting port to substantially
close or seal the vacuum passageway at the venting port. Also, as
air is drawn through vacuum port 36 of nozzle 28 from vacuum
passageway 26, a vacuum or partial vacuum is created within the
cavity 64 defined by the vacuum cup 12 and the object surface to
which the vacuum cup is engaged.
[0038] When the air supply or vacuum source is substantially
reduced or deactivated, pressurized air is no longer forced or
blown to and through the venturi nozzle and thus does not flow
through diverting passageway 50 to urge diaphragm element 54a
downward or toward the second sealing element. The vacuum or
partial vacuum within vacuum passageways 26 and cavity 64 thus may
dissipate via venting through ports 36 and exit port 28a of venturi
nozzle 28. When the diverted pressurized air is no longer present
at the first sealing element, the biasing element or member or
spring may urge the first sealing element away from the second
sealing element and to a venting position so that the vacuum
passageway is vented to atmosphere. Thus, when the pressurized air
supply is deactivated or reduced, biasing element 58 urges
diaphragm element 54a outward and away from venting port 48 so that
vacuum passageway 26 is vented to atmosphere via air flow through
venting passageway 52 and around the venting port 48 and into
vacuum passageway 26. The vacuum passageway 26 is formed within
body at a sufficient diameter to provide clearance around the
venturi nozzle 28 so that the vacuum within cavity 64 of vacuum cup
12 is quickly vented to atmosphere via air flow through the venting
passageway 52 and vacuum passageway 26. The vacuum or partial
vacuum within the vacuum cup thus is quickly released or vented
after the vacuum source or air supply is deactivated, and does not
have the delay in venting that typically occur as the vacuum or
partial vacuum slowly dissipates through the ports of the venturi
nozzle of known vacuum cups. The vacuum cup assembly of the present
invention thus may be readily removed from the object when the air
supply is deactivated.
[0039] Although shown and described as being a movable or flexible
diaphragm element, the first or movable sealing element of the
vacuum cup assembly may comprise other sealing means or devices or
members or elements, without affecting the scope of the present
invention. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 4-6, a sealing
and venting device or assembly or element 118 of a vacuum device
114 of a vacuum cup assembly 110 may comprise a first sealing
element or movable sealing element 154, such as a piston element,
that is movable along a venting passageway or upper or outer
passageway portion 126a at or in fluid communication with the
vacuum passageway 126 of the body 120 of vacuum device 114 of the
vacuum cup assembly 110 to selectively seal and vent the vacuum
device and vacuum cup assembly. For example, piston element 154 may
engage a second sealing element or portion or seal or ring 155
(such as an elastomeric or rubber sealing ring or the like)
positioned at the passageway portion 126a and at or outward from an
upper end of the vacuum passageway 126, in order to substantially
seal the passageway 126a so that vacuum is generated in the
passageway 126 by the venturi device 128. The piston element 154
may move along the passageway portion 126a to engage the sealing
ring 155 to substantially seal or close the vacuum passageway (as
shown in FIG. 5) when the pressurized air supply is activated to
generate the vacuum, and may move away from the sealing ring 155 to
vent the vacuum passageway to atmosphere (as shown in FIG. 6) when
the pressurized air supply is deactivated or reduced.
[0040] The rigid or substantially rigid and movable piston element
may provide a robust sealing element and may substantially seal the
vacuum passageway when engaged with the sealing ring. The vacuum
device 114 and vacuum cup assembly 110 may be otherwise
substantially similar to the vacuum device 14 and vacuum cup
assembly 10 discussed above, such that a detailed discussion of the
vacuum devices and vacuum cup assemblies will not be repeated
herein. The similar or common components or elements of the vacuum
devices and vacuum cup assemblies are shown in FIGS. 4-6 (except
the vacuum cup is not shown in FIGS. 4-6) with the same reference
numbers as used in FIGS. 1-3, but with 100 added to each of the
reference numbers.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, piston element
154 comprises a generally cylindrically shaped element that is
movable along a generally cylindrical-shaped passageway portion
126a at or near vacuum passageway 126 (although other cross
sectional shapes may be implemented without affecting the scope of
the present invention). A lower or engaging end 154a of piston
element 154 may be rounded or curved so as to be partially received
in and substantially uniformly engage sealing ring 155 when piston
element 154 is urged against the sealing ring 155 (as shown in FIG.
5) when the air supply is activated to generate the vacuum or
partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway. More particularly, when
the air supply is activated (such as a pressurized air supply or
pneumatic device 129 that supplies pressurized air to the vacuum
device, such as via an air hose or line 129a), the diverting
passageway 150 (formed through the body 120 between an inlet port
124 and an upper or outer end of the venting passageway or
passageway portion 126a) diverts some of the pressurized input air
to the upper or outer area or cavity 126b (FIG. 5) of passageway
portion 126a (between an outer end 154b of piston element 154 and a
cap or cover 156 of vacuum cup assembly 110) and thus at the upper
or outer end 154b of piston element 154 (and at the opposite side
of the piston element from the sealing ring and venting port). The
diverted portion of the pressurized input air thus provides a
downward pressure against the piston element to assist in urging
the piston element toward engagement with sealing ring 155. Thus,
when moved to a sealing position, the piston element 154 may
substantially seal against the sealing ring 155 to substantially
seal and separate or isolate the vacuum passageway from atmosphere.
The cap or cover 156 is secured to body 120, and preferably
substantially sealed to the body 120, at the outer end of venting
passageway 126a, such as via a sealing element 157, such as an
O-ring or the like.
[0042] Piston element 154 also desirably includes a sliding seal or
ring 166 circumferentially around the piston element to seal the
piston element within the passageway portion 126a and to enhance
sliding or movement of the piston element 154 along the passageway
portion. As can be seen in FIGS. 4-6, sliding seal 166 is received
in a groove 154c formed circumferentially around piston element 154
and between the curved sealing surface 154a and the outer end 154b
of piston element 154. Sliding seal 166 limits air leakage past
piston element 154 within passageway 126a, while allowing
substantially unrestricted and smooth movement of piston element
within the passageway.
[0043] Vacuum cup assembly 110 includes a biasing element or urging
element or spring 158 that functions to bias or urge piston element
154 outward and away from sealing ring 155 and toward a venting
position. In the illustrated embodiment, biasing element or spring
158 is partially received within a passageway or recess 154d formed
longitudinally partially along piston element 154 and protrudes
therefrom to engage the venturi nozzle body 128c or to engage a
stop element or plate portion (not shown) at or near the lower or
inner end of the passageway portion 126a and/or upper or outer end
of the vacuum passageway 126. Similar to the vacuum cup assembly 10
described above, the biasing force of the biasing element or spring
158 of vacuum cup assembly 110 may be overcome (and the spring or
biasing element thus may be compressed) by the force exerted by the
diverted portion of the pressurized inlet air at the upper or outer
end 154b of piston element 154, and/or by the force exerted by the
vacuum or partial vacuum generated within the vacuum
passageway.
[0044] When the vacuum source or pressurized air supply is reduced
or deactivated (and the diverted air is reduced or eliminated so
that it no longer exerts sufficient pressure or force at the outer
end 154b of piston element 154 to overcome the spring force or
biasing force), the biasing force may overcome the vacuum pressure
within the vacuum passageway and may move the piston element
outward to disengage the piston element from the sealing ring. When
the piston element is moved away from the sealing ring so that the
curved engaging surface 154a is remote or spaced from sealing ring
155, the vacuum passageway is vented (and thus the vacuum or
partial vacuum within the vacuum passageway and vacuum cup is
vented and thus dissipated).
[0045] As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, the body 120 may include
passageways or channels or apertures or ports 168 that provide
fluid communication or air flow between passageway 126a and the air
or atmosphere surrounding the vacuum cup assembly. The passageways
168 are located above or outward from the sealing ring 155, and at
the opposite side of sealing ring from the venturi device, such
that air does not flow through the passageways 168 to vent the
vacuum passageway 126a when piston element 154 is substantially
sealed against sealing ring 155. Thus, when the piston element 154
is moved away from or disengaged from sealing ring 155, the vacuum
passageway is readily vented to atmosphere, such as via air flow
through and along channels or grooves or passageways 168 formed or
established along the piston passageway portion 126a and outside of
or above the sealing ring 155. The piston element 154 and sealing
ring 155 thus function to substantially seal the vacuum passageway
when the air supply is activated so that the venturi device may
generate a vacuum or partial vacuum within the vacuum passageway
(when the vacuum cup is engaged with an object), and the piston
element may move away from the sealing ring to vent the vacuum
passageway when the air supply is deactivated or reduced (to assist
in releasing the vacuum cup from the object).
[0046] Although shown and described as having a movable sealing
element, such as a piston element or a diaphragm element, that
engages a second sealing element, such as a sealing ring or a
venting port, that is located remote from the venturi nozzle along
the vacuum and venting passageways, it is envisioned that the
movable sealing element may be located elsewhere in or at the
vacuum device or body where the sealing device selective seals and
vents the vacuum passageway in response to the pressurized air
supply being activated and deactivated. For example, the movable
sealing element may be movably or flexibly located at or generally
around the vacuum port 136 of the venturi device 128. The second
sealing device thus may comprise the venturi nozzle body itself
and/or the portion of the body at or adjacent to the venturi nozzle
body, and the movable sealing element may seal against the venturi
device and/or body portion to seal the venting passageway when the
pressurized air supply is activated, and may disengage from the
venturi device to vent the vacuum passageway when the pressurized
air supply is deactivated. Optionally, the movable sealing element,
such as a piston element, may include a flexible or compressible or
conformable seal (such as an elastomeric or rubber seal) at an
engaging surface, and the piston element may move to engage the
flexible seal with a sealing surface along the passageway, such as
at an end of the vacuum passageway or at the venturi nozzle or
elsewhere within the vacuum device, without affecting the scope of
the present invention. Other configurations of a movable sealing
element and the diverted air supply and biasing element (preferably
all of which are within or integral with the body of the vacuum
device) may be implemented while remaining within the spirit and
scope of the present invention.
[0047] The movable sealing element thus functions to selectively
seal and vent the vacuum passageway of the body. The venting port
or ports may be located anywhere along the venting passageway so as
to be exposed or in fluid communication with the vacuum passageway
when the sealing element is in the venting position. It is
envisioned that, if the movable sealing element is not
substantially sealed against the walls of the venting passageway as
it moves therealong (such as if a movable piston element includes
longitudinal passageways along its outer circumferential region),
the venting port may be located further along the venting
passageway, and may be located at the cap or cover, without
affecting the scope of the present invention. Thus, the venting
port or ports may be located at various locations, as long as the
venting passageway and venting ports are selectively sealed or
isolated from the vacuum passageway by the sealing element when the
sealing element is moved to the sealing position, and are
selectively opened or in fluid communication with the vacuum
passageway when the sealing element is moved to the venting
position.
[0048] Optionally, and as shown in FIGS. 4-10, the vacuum cup
assembly may include a venturi silencer device or noise reducing
device 210, which may be located at a discharge end 128a of venturi
device or nozzle 128 to reduce the noise generated by the venturi
device during operation of the air supply and vacuum cup assembly.
The silencer 210 includes a casing or housing 212 that is mounted
or attached to the body 120 of the vacuum device and that defines a
cavity or chamber 214 at the discharge end of the venturi device.
The housing includes a conical shaped air diverter 216 protruding
from an outer end portion 212a of housing 212 and generally toward
the discharge end of the venturi device, and includes a plurality
of outlet holes or discharge holes 218 radially spaced around the
housing 212.
[0049] As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the housing 212 has an
outer end portion 212a and a cylindrical wall or portion 212b.
Cylindrical wall or portion 212b cooperates with the outer end
portion 212a of housing 212 to define the cavity 214 through which
air flows from the discharge end of the venturi device and out
through the holes 218. The conical diverter 216 protrudes from the
end portion 212a and toward the discharge end of the venturi device
when the silencer is attached to the body 120. The housing 212
preferably has generally smooth transition curves or radii of
curvature at the transition regions or junction 212c between the
outer end portion 212a and the cylindrical wall or portion 212b,
and preferably has generally smooth transition curves or radii of
curvature at the transition regions or junction 212d between the
conical diverter 216 and the outer end portion 212a. The smooth
radii of curvatures at the transition regions 212c, 212d provide a
substantially smooth transition for the air flow as the air flows
along the conical diverter 216 and as the air is diverted radially
outward toward and through the smaller, radially spaced apart
discharge holes 218. Thus, the silencer device 210 reduces
turbulence in the air flow to reduce the noise generated by the
flow of air out of the venturi device.
[0050] Cylindrical wall or portion 212b also functions to attach
the silencer device 210 to the body of the vacuum device. In the
illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, cylindrical portion 212b of
housing 212 is formed to receive a narrowed portion 120a of the
body 120 at the discharge end 128a of the venturi device 128. The
housing 212 of silencer 210 may be press fit over the narrowed end
portion 120a, or may be otherwise attached or secured to the body
120 of the vacuum cup assembly and generally at or near the
discharge end of the venturi device or nozzle.
[0051] The cavity or chamber 214, the conical-shaped diverter 216
and the curved transitional regions 212c, 212d at the outer end
portion 212a of the silencer 210 function to reduce turbulence and
absorb some of the noise as the air flows from the discharge end
128a of the venturi 128 through the cavity 214 and out the
discharge openings 218. The holes 218, although relatively small,
are preferably large enough to allow most debris that may flow
through the venturi to pass therethrough, so that the holes limit
or substantially preclude obstruction of the air flow through the
silencer. Thus, the silencer device of the present invention may
achieve reduced noise levels during operation of the air supply and
venturi device, while limiting obstruction of the air flow through
the silencer device. The present invention thus provides an
enhanced silencer over known or conventional types of silencers,
which typically include a screen or filter element that is prone to
clogging or becoming at least partially obstructed by debris during
use.
[0052] Therefore, the vacuum cup assembly of the present invention
may be engaged with an object and a vacuum or partial vacuum may be
created or generated within the vacuum cup to substantially seal
the vacuum cup to the object surface. The vacuum cup assembly, and
the object substantially sealed thereto, may then be moved to a
desired location. When at the targeted destination, the vacuum
source or air supply may be deactivated to release or vent the
vacuum within the assembly so as to readily release the object from
the vacuum cup assembly.
[0053] The vacuum cup assembly of the present invention thus
utilizes a single air line or hose or input and provides both
vacuum or suction for sealing against and lifting panels or objects
and venting for removal or blow off of panels or objects. The
pressurized air enters the inlet or input port and passes through
the venturi nozzle to create at least a partial vacuum at the
vacuum cup and within the vacuum passageway of the body. During
operation of the pressurized air supply, a small amount of
pressurized input air is diverted to an area or chamber at or above
a movable or flexible sealing element, such as a diaphragm or a
piston element. The diverted pressurized air pushes or urges the
sealing element downward or toward and against another sealing
element (such as an outer portion of the body or a sealing ring or
the like) to substantially seal or close the vacuum passageway (or
otherwise substantially isolate the vacuum passageway from the
atmosphere at the vacuum device), allowing the vacuum to be created
in the vacuum passageway and at the vacuum cup. Thus, when the
diverted input air is providing pressure above or outside of the
first or movable sealing element, the sealing element remains
substantially sealed within the vacuum passageway, such that there
is a vacuum generated at the vacuum passageway at or below or
inside of the sealing element (when the vacuum cup is engaged with
an object).
[0054] When the venturi input air is reduced or shut off, the
diverted input air at the outer end or side of the sealing element
is reduced or eliminated, thereby allowing the biasing element or
spring to move or push or urge the movable or flexible sealing
element away from the other sealing element or ring or port to
disengage the sealing elements and, thus, to vent the vacuum
passageway to atmosphere. When the sealing elements are disengaged,
the atmospheric pressure can rapidly enter the vacuum passageway
and the vacuum cup, thereby relieving substantially all the vacuum
within the vacuum cup and vacuum passageway and releasing or
assisting in releasing the panel or object from the vacuum cup.
Although shown and described as being implemented with a vacuum cup
for sealing the vacuum cup relative to an object, the automatic
release venturi device or vacuum device of the present invention
may be suitable for use in other material handling applications
that may otherwise handle objects or material by generating a
vacuum when a pressurized air supply is activated and automatically
release or vent the vacuum when the pressurized air supply is
deactivated, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0055] Therefore, the auto-release venturi device or vacuum device
of the present invention provides a vacuum or partial vacuum that
may be readily applied to a vacuum cup to substantially seal the
vacuum cup to an object, and that may be readily and automatically
vented to atmosphere to release the object from the vacuum cup. The
sealing and venting device or assembly or element substantially
seals the vacuum passageway when the vacuum source is activated to
allow the pneumatic device or pressurized air supply to generate or
create a vacuum or partial vacuum at the vacuum cup. The sealing
and venting device is readily and automatically disengaged when the
pneumatic device is deactivated to substantially vent the vacuum
passageway to atmosphere to release the object from the vacuum
cup.
[0056] The movable sealing element or membrane or piston element of
the venting device may be engaged against a second sealing element
or venting port or body or sealing ring or the like (which may be
substantially fixed or non-moving relative to the vacuum device
body) in response to the diverted pressurized air provided to the
movable sealing element at an opposite side of the sealing element
from the vacuum passageway and vacuum device or venturi, such that
the pressure differential at the sealing element causes the movable
sealing element to substantially seal or close the vacuum
passageway. When the pressurized air supply is reduced or
deactivated and the diverted pressurized air is thus reduced or
eliminated, the movable sealing element may disengage from the
second sealing element or body or sealing ring or otherwise move or
flex to open or vent the vacuum passageway to atmosphere, such as
in response to the biasing element. The vacuum at the vacuum
passageway and vacuum cup thus may be readily vented to atmosphere
to release the vacuum cup from the object at the desired or
targeted destination or location. Preferably, the body of the
vacuum device comprises a unitarily formed device, with the vacuum
passageway, the venturi passageway, the diverting passageway, and
the venting passageway formed or bored at least partially
therethrough, and with the sealing elements disposed at or within
the body of the vacuum device, such that the vacuum device
comprises an integral vacuum device with the sealing element and
diverting passageway incorporated or integrated at or in the body
of the vacuum device.
[0057] Changes and modifications to the specifically described
embodiments may be carried out without departing from the
principles of the present invention, which is intended to be
limited only by the scope of the appended claims as interpreted
according to the principles of patent law.
* * * * *